Boo the Miracle Dog: A Story of Bravery, Breakthroughs, and a Bond That Inspires

This week we share the story of dog named Boo as we continue a series of articles containing heartwarming tributes from clients of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital that highlight the vital care and treatment provided to their animal companions by the hospital’s teams of clinicians, veterinary nurses, staff and students.

At 13 years old, Boo Davis is living proof of the power of persistence, expert veterinary care, and the unshakable love between a pet and her person. Affectionately known as Lisa’s “miracle dog,” Boo’s journey is one that not only has extended her life, but also has helped shape the future of cancer treatment for other pets, too.

Boo first came to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital in March 2023 to begin treatment for urinary tract cancer under the care of Dr. Deborah Knapp and the Oncology team. What started with chemotherapy eventually led to Boo’s enrollment in an immunotherapy clinical trial in October 2024. The trial successfully eliminated a second type of cancer on Boo’s leg and stopped the growth of her urinary tract cancer, giving Boo a renewed sense of energy and joy. Although the urinary cancer later started growing again, prompting another change in treatment, Boo’s spirit has never dimmed. Her life after cancer diagnosis has since stretched from an expected few months to several months, and now to nearly two years of good-quality life.

Throughout Boo’s care, Lisa has praised the Oncology team’s proactive communication and compassion, which have helped ease the anxiety of navigating such a complex diagnosis. Today, Boo continues to receive treatment and follow-up care from Dr. Knapp and Dr. Conor Williams, a medical oncology resident who Lisa describes as a steady and thoughtful presence in Boo’s healing journey.

Beyond her clinical impact, Boo is also a contributor to future breakthroughs. A tissue sample from her earlier tumor removal was banked for research and is already contributing to studies on molecular markers tied to bladder cancer. Her participation in clinical trials reflects a commitment to advancing veterinary medicine for others that is shared between Lisa, Purdue, and the referring veterinarian – a Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumna.

But Boo’s story isn’t only about treatment. It’s about life and resilience. From walks around the Purdue campus and West Lafayette’s Celery Bog after treatments, to joyful runs at dog parks and along the Chicago lakefront, Boo is adored by everyone she meets, including her building’s doorman, who throws “treat parties” in her honor. She even cheers on Purdue’s football and basketball teams, and Lisa dreams of one day seeing her recognized on the field for all she’s overcome.

Members of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s medical oncology team celebrate Boo's birthday. — Members of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s medical oncology team celebrate Boo’s birthday.

Originally adopted from the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago in 2012, Boo has always embodied strength and bravery. Her birthday is celebrated every Halloween, a fitting tribute to her confidence and courage. She continues to give back as a therapy dog through virtual PAL (People Animals Love) sessions with students and may soon bring her light to pediatric cancer patients as well.

Lisa’s connection to Purdue runs deep. After losing Boo’s long-time companion, Blanca, also a Purdue patient, in late 2024, Lisa credits the Veterinary Hospital for not just extending Boo’s life but making it worth living. Lisa says she’s found comfort in community grief-support groups and has empathy for pet caregivers undergoing long-term treatment journeys.

Boo’s story is one of impact, connection, and hope. Through Lisa’s advocacy and Boo’s enduring strength, they’ve become part of something bigger – a future where every pet facing cancer has a better chance, and every family has a place to turn for help and hope.

Writer(s): Mackenzie Martin, Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” for Jennifer Danaher – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we express our gratitude to Jennifer Danaher, who is department secretary for Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

‘Purdue Pursuits’: A PVM angle on Purdue’s teaching and learning reading groups

Crafting meaningful and engaging course experiences has been at the top of Dielson Vieira’s mind ever since he joined the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s faculty in 2024. As a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Vieira is already adept at applying innovative teaching practices to classroom environments, but that doesn’t stop him from seeking out new ideas, approaches and perspectives — insights he gains through outlets like Purdue’s teaching and learning reading groups.

Top tier biology journal publishes PVM study that unlocks secrets of a drug-resistant fungal pathogen, which causes serious infections in humans

Though the name “Candida auris” is far from a household term, public health experts know it well because the multi-drug-resistant fungal pathogen, which causes serious human infections, has been classified as an urgent threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Antibiotic Threats Report (2019). Dr. Shankar Thangamani, Associate Professor of Microbiology and University Faculty Scholar in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, is researching C. auris, aided by a 2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). New research findings, just published in Nature Microbiology, show how C. auris adapts and evades the immune system.

In Print: ‘Translational Research Methods for Tauopathies’

A just-published 300-page volume edited by Jessica Fortin, Purdue assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences, provides a significant new resource for researchers studying a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies. “Translational Research Methods for Tauopathies” provides detailed protocols intentionally selected to serve as a basis for research laboratories seeking to further treatments for such debilitating neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer’s and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

It’s Almost Here!

Though the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference is almost upon us, there’s still time to register and take advantage of this time-honored College of Veterinary Medicine fall tradition that combines excellent continuing education with fun opportunities for reconnecting with colleagues and classmates, networking, and learning about the latest veterinary trends and products. The 2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference takes place September 23–26 on the Purdue University campus. The annual event has something for everyone, from veterinarians to veterinary technicians, faculty, staff and students.